Side effects of pregabalin

These common side effects of pregabalin may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves.

There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking pregabalin. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.

Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better.

As your body gets used to pregabalin, these side effects should wear off. If they do not wear off within a week or two, your doctor may reduce your dose or increase it more slowly. If that does not work, your doctor may suggest a different medicine.

Avoid having a big meal, smoking, or drinking alcohol, tea or coffee in the evening. Try not to watch television or use your mobile phone before going to bed. Instead, try to relax for an hour before bedtime.

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If you feel this medicine is causing mood changes, speak to your doctor. They may be able to change you to a different medicine.

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your pregabalin after you've eaten.

If you're being sick, try small frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee.

If you take the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If your feet are swollen, try sitting with your feet up on a chair or bed. When you do stand up, try not to stand for too long. Exercise might help if your arms are swollen. If that does not help or it becomes painful, contact your doctor.

Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a couple of days speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.

Speak to your doctor. They may be able to change your medicine or offer other treatments that might help with this problem.

Pregabalin can make you hungrier so it can be hard to stop yourself putting on weight.

Try to eat well without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you're hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods.

Increasing your level of exercise will also help to keep your weight stable.

If you're having problems with your memory, speak to your doctor. They may want you to try a different medicine.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

If you have diabetes, pregabalin can affect your blood sugar control. Monitor your blood sugar more often for the first few weeks after you start taking pregabalin and adjust your diabetes treatment if you need to. Talk to your doctor or diabetes nurse if you want more advice on what to do.